At experienced contests,with plenty of KCBS help,we are often inspected by late morning.They will graciously hold the window open for late arriving teams-as late as needed.
A few cooks could arrive at 6 AM Friday.
Many teams have all the entries trimmed at home,or Thurs evening-if they arrive that early.
Of course,no meat prep is allowed until after inspections.
Discussions indicate this "series" will be the closest to actual comp cooking,but we all know there will have to be some "drama" to interest "real housewives" watchers.